Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Paris (CDG)

About Paris

Discover Paris

Why visit Paris?
Paris is a city of grand boulevards, riverfront views, and elegant architecture that feels instantly cinematic. From landmark-lined avenues to tucked-away courtyards, you will find a blend of history, style, and everyday charm at every turn.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre each offer a distinct atmosphere, from village-like streets to stylish galleries. The city is compact and walkable, with the River Seine, leafy parks, and iconic monuments shaping your sense of direction.

Plan your trip
Paris works well as both a short city break and a longer stay that includes day trips. With high-speed rail and regional connections, it is also a gateway to wider France, from the vineyards of Champagne to the châteaux of the Loire Valley.

Top sights in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Admire Paris from above with sweeping views of the city and the River Seine from its famous iron landmark.

Louvre Museum

Explore vast galleries filled with artworks and artefacts spanning centuries in one of the world’s best-known museums.

Seine River banks

Stroll along the riverside paths, browse bookstalls, and watch the city lights reflect on the water at dusk.

Montmartre

Wander cobbled streets, discover artists’ squares, and enjoy hillside views across Paris from this historic district.

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk this grand avenue towards the monumental arch, where a viewing terrace offers a classic Paris panorama.

Musée d’Orsay

Visit a former railway station transformed into a light-filled museum home to renowned 19th- and early 20th-century art.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Relax among manicured lawns, statues, and fountains in one of the city’s favourite central parks.

Canal Saint-Martin

Sit by the water, watch boats navigate the locks, and explore independent boutiques along the canal.

Experience Paris’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Paris Métro and RER trains are the quickest way to cover long distances, with dense coverage in central areas. Buses and rental bikes give you a more scenic view at street level, while walking remains ideal for short hops between nearby neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
Sidewalk cafés, local bakeries, and small squares set the pace of daily life in Paris. You will notice a strong appreciation for design and detail, from ornate façades to window displays, as residents balance work, leisure, and time with friends in their favourite spots.

Where to unwind
Parks such as the Tuileries Garden and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offer space to pause close to the city’s busiest streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant, when softer light and cooler temperatures make it comfortable to sit, read, or simply watch Paris go by.

A taste of Paris

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic pastries, crêpes, and freshly baked bread in bakeries and casual counters throughout the city. Areas around Bastille, the Latin Quarter, and local markets are ideal for sampling everyday favourites as you explore.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Lively districts such as Oberkampf, Canal Saint-Martin, and parts of the 11th arrondissement offer bistros, cafés, and modern eateries side by side. Menus often encourage sharing and sampling, so you can try a variety of flavours in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special occasion, consider restaurants with river views or dining rooms in historic buildings. Rooftop terraces and venues near major landmarks add memorable backdrops to your meal, especially around sunset when the city begins to light up.

Retail therapy in Paris

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large department stores and shopping centres in central Paris bring together international labels, local designers, and dining in one stop. These spaces also act as social hubs, with seasonal window displays and events adding to the experience.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood streets in Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Canal Saint-Martin area are known for independent boutiques and smaller brands. Weekly markets and design-focused shops make it easy to find gifts and distinctive pieces with a local touch.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, illuminated façades and late-opening stores keep key shopping streets lively. Some districts pair boutiques with bars and restaurants, so you can combine browsing with dinner, and public transport makes these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Paris

Springtime in Paris (Printemps)
From March to May, temperatures usually range between 10–18°C (50–64°F), with mild days and cool evenings. This shoulder season brings blossoming trees, longer daylight, and comfortable conditions for walking tours and outdoor café stops.

Summer in the city (Été)
June to August is warm, with average temperatures around 18–26°C (64–79°F), and occasional hotter days. As peak season, it is lively with events and extended opening hours, making evening strolls along the Seine especially pleasant.

Autumn and winter charm (Automne and Hiver)
From September to November, autumn offers 10–18°C (50–64°F) with colourful parks and a relaxed shoulder season feel. December to February forms the low season, with cooler 3–8°C (37–46°F) days, atmospheric lights, and quieter museums, ideal if you prefer fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions